Welcome to the new freshman class and transfer students. Here are a few suggestions to make your college career successful. My list is not based on surveys or other scientific methods. Rather, I’ve noticed that students who are successful at University develop some or all of the following habits.

7 Habits of Successful Students:

1. Don’t Panic – The faculty and staff can help you solve your problems.

2. Pay Close Attention to:

Syllabus – Many of the answers are posted in many places and in many ways.

Course Calendar – a quick way to see when assignments are due.

Announcements made in class and posted on the course page.

Exam Schedule – Be prepared and on time. Don’t wait until the day before the exam to study the course materials.

3. Attend all classes – It is extremely rare for a student to do well and not attend class. You might be able to learn on your own, but why risk it? “Showing up” is an excellent skill to develop.

4. Get involved with:

Study groups

Campus Activities

Clubs

Find your thing, have fun.

5. Set aside time for studying.

If you’re not in class, then study, study, study. Read the lecture notes, read the textbook, do the homework problems. Practice, practice, practice.

6. Ask questions in class – If you have a question about the course material, then there is an excellent chance that other students also have questions about the materials.

7. Ask questions in Office Hours.

Professors will help you, but we need to know when you need help. One major complaint that I hear from most professors is that “students don’t come to office hours.”

Attend office hours and ask questions. Professors want their students to succeed.